Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) is a partner in the U.S. refugee resettlement program and works with a network of affiliates and churches in communities across the country to welcome those given the chance to begin a new life.  

A significant wave of persons forced to flee oppression and violence in Iraq, Burma (Myanmar), and elsewhere, and who have been granted refugee status will arrive on our shores before the end of September. Hospitality extended to refugees by churches in the form of donated goods and services – and friendship –  have a deep and lasting positive impact upon these newcomers! 

Decorate or help furnish a home for newly arriving refugees. Greet refugees at the airport. Make them a warm meal. Design a Sunday School or youth group project to engage them. Pray for them! A little help will mean a lot.

PLEASE contact an EMM affiliate to learn how you can share the refugee’s journey. To find your local office, click on the “Affiliate Network” link on the homepage or write us at emm@episcopalchurch.org. Thank you! 

Because there are between 11 and 14 million refugees in the world today and millions more internally displaced persons; because immigrants and newcomers within our borders are increasingly denied basic civil and human rights, and because the plight of refugees and immigrants is too often ignored or not fully understood, Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) continues to carry out the ministry to the uprooted it began over 60 years ago to resettle refugees, advocate with and for immigrants, and raise awareness of the plight of the uprooted in our church. The Gospel mandate to extend hospitality to strangers and our Baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons calls us to this ministry.

Our network of 33 affiliate offices in 27 dioceses of the Episcopal Church, numerous parishes, and countless volunteers sustain this ministry of hospitality. As long as the crisis persists for refugees and immigrants, EMM will pursue its mission and mandate to welcome the stranger. You are invited to share the journey with all who seek safety and security within our borders and throughout the world.

Resettlement
EMM carries out, with other faith-based and secular agencies, a national program of refugee resettlement through a public-private partnership with the U.S. government. Resettlement is the most tangible and central component of our ministries. EMM affiliate offices and parishes in one third of the dioceses of the Episcopal Church participate in our resettlement work. Refugees are received from all parts of the world and sponsorship is offered to refugees without regard to national origin, race or religion. Click here to learn more about our resettlement program.

Advocacy
EMM takes seriously the call to accompany the least of our brothers and sisters, serving them as companions and advocating for their protection and welfare. EMM is the voice of the Episcopal Church speaking on behalf of refugees and other vulnerable immigrant groups, advocating for legislation and public policies, consistent with the resolutions of the Episcopal Church, which enhance the protection and well being of refugees and at-risk immigrants such as migrants and those seeking asylum in the U.S. Click here to learn more about our advocacy work.

Outreach
Though EMM’s mandate is principally to serve refugees and immigrants, sharing news about our mission and ministry with Episcopal congregations and providing Episcopalians with an opportunity to reach out to these strangers in our midst is also vital to our work.  We educate churches on the plight of refugees and immigrants, make resources about the uprooted available for use in worship services, and provide the means for parishes to become involved in both our advocacy and resettlement ministries.  Click here to learn more about our outreach to the church.